Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong has shed light on his first taste of pre-season under new boss Brendan Rodgers, in an interview with the club’s official site.

The squad returned to training at the beginning of the week and will now be tasked with learning the ins and outs of the football philosophy of the former Liverpool manager.

Celtic fans as New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is presented after the press conference

“It’s nice to be back in with all the boys and the new manager so it’s both exciting and difficult,” said Armstrong. “We’ve had five weeks off, which is the longest I’ve had off in a long time, so we’re just adjusting back to football life.

“It has been quite good,” he added. “All of our training has been with the ball which makes it easier and nicer - there’s nothing worse than putting the trainers on and just running up hills so it’s the modern way of football to have the ball out and be running as well.

New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with the Scottish Premiership trophy after the press conference

“The manager knows what he wants. There has been a lift for everyone in the place and I really like his style of working. It’s only early days now but everyone is enjoying the atmosphere.”

Armstrong didn’t enjoy the best of campaigns overall last season but finished strongly and will be excited at the fresh start he now has at Parkhead.

That feeling will extend to every member of the Hoops squad and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining who makes the cut in the new Rodgers regime.